Riccardo Calafiori has a warning for Arsenal teammate Leandro Trossard and gets ready for the Italy-Belgium Nations League clash. ‘I’ve been waiting a long time for this moment.’

It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on Thursday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).

The Azzurri sit at the top of their Nations League group with a three-point cushion after winning the opening fixtures against France and Israel.

They host Belgium tomorrow at the Stadio Olimpico, then take on Israel at the Bluenergy Stadium in Udine on Monday evening.

“I am very happy to be playing at the Olimpico, I’d been waiting a long time for this moment,” said the hometown boy who grew up in the Roma youth academy.

“It is an extra reason to feel proud, seeing as my friends and family will be in the stands.”

Calafiori really shot to fame at Bologna last season, then his performances at EURO 2024 impressed Arsenal enough to splash out almost €50m to sign him.

Although not getting much playing time so far, the defender has already become a fan favourite for the Gunners.

“A lot has changed for my career and life over the last three or four months, without warning,” he confessed to Vivo Azzurro TV.

“I do feel some extra responsibility, but I like that, because it means I am doing well and people expect a lot from me.”

It could be an Arsenal reunion on the pitch tomorrow, because Belgium are expected to start Calafiori’s Arsenal teammate Leandro Trossard.

“I told him to watch out! Joking aside, he is a great player and also a great friend, but I will still try to take home the three points.

“It is going to be a complicated match, they have strong players, as do we. I prefer to focus on ourselves, because if we play the way we know how, then we can cause problems for any opponent.

“We did so well in the last two games and don’t want to stop now.”